We veterans of the U.S. Imperialist war machine stand with the Iranian people as they rise up in the face of  2 oppressors-- the United States/Israel alliance and their own theocratic regime. At this moment the U.S. and Israel are on a rampage. The U.S. is waging illegal war in Latin America, declaring itself the ruler of Gaza and threatening to bomb the Iranian people in the name of "the Iranian people". This is the same regime that is killing people in American cities in the name of the "American people".  Israel has boasted of intervention in the Iranian protests-- acts of war against Iran-- as well as attacks on Lebanon, Palestine and Syria.

Let's be clear, the current economic crisis in Iran, as in Venezuela and elsewhere is "Made in the USA"-- through especially sanctions (economic warfare) but also through the normal workings of this capitalist-imperialist system that has been preying on the region for over a century. And now a U.S. Carrier battle group is on its way to threaten Iran. This must be opposed!

We join with the International Emergency Campaign to Free Iran’s Political Prisoners NOW and the Unitarian Universalists of San Francisco Human Rights Working Group in inviting all to "STAND WITH IRAN’S REBELS & AGAINST U.S.-ISRAEL WAR THREATS/MOVES ON IRAN! FREE IRAN'S POLITICAL PRISONERS NOW!" on January 28.

The Iranian regime for its part has expanded its use of the death penalty to even more unconscionable levels over the past year. While most independent information from Iran is blocked since the recent protests, credible reports of large scale state violence have emerged. In basic terms, no government has the right to repress the masses when they protest against clear injustice.

We stand with the people of Iran against any and all aggression  by the U.S. and its Zionist  and other allies. We have learned some of the horrors U.S. imperialism  inflicts on the people of the world through being part of its war machine. We have come to realize that people everywhere have basic rights as people-- and on this basis we stand with people anywhere who are denied those rights. The question is sharply posed-- will the people of the world be able to break out of these horrors-- or will they be forever at the mercy of oppressive ruling classes.

In Struggle,

Pete Schoonmaker, USN 1977-84, member Veterans For Peace Daniel Ellsberg Chapter

Martin Kunz, USN 1970-76, member Veterans For Peace Daniel Ellsberg Chapter

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